The Robertson Neuro Rehab Unit at Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH) NHS Trust recently showcased the groundbreaking Brent Neuro Rehab Transformation (BNT) Project at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) Annual Conference in Newport, Wales. The presentation was delivered by Kavita Venkatesan, Physiotherapy Team Lead, highlighting a major step forward in intensive neuro-rehabilitation delivery across the UK.
The initiative was initiated and led by Krishna Gundapudi, Clinical Director at Rehab Therapist, during his employment with CLCH NHS Trust, with the aim of achieving compliance with the NICE 2023 Stroke Guidelines, which recommend a minimum of three hours of motor therapy per day, five days per week for suitable patients.
The Challenge
Prior to this project, the national dataset SSNAP reported that patients in neuro-rehabilitation units were receiving just over 40 minutes of therapy per day far below the required 180 minutes needed to maximise neurological recovery.
The Transformation
To address this critical gap, the team introduced a redesigned service model structured around productivity, teamwork, and motivation:
- Shift from traditional 1:1 sessions to an ‘Active Gym’ model, enabling multiple patients to train together in a supervised environment
- Structured group therapy, supported by physiotherapists and therapy assistants
- Planned rest periods and targeted individual sessions scheduled during the afternoons
Outstanding Results
Since implementation, the unit has achieved exceptional measurable improvements:
- Three to four hours of therapy daily a dramatic increase from the historical average of just over one hour
- High patient tolerance and engagement, including for those initially expected to struggle
- Improved staff well-being and team collaboration, supported by a dynamic therapy environment
Early outcome data indicates meaningful progress in functional recovery, and the team is now collecting extended data on patient discharge and long-term impact.
A Milestone for Neuro-Rehabilitation in the UK
The success of the BNT project represents a significant advancement in the delivery of intensive stroke and neuro-rehabilitation, demonstrating what is possible through innovation, structured leadership, and a patient-centred approach.
🎥 Watch the Presentation
Robertson Neuro Rehab Unit at the CSP Annual Conference
🔗 https://youtu.be/TwFiOaNCCLg?si=GztOqRbuiPdjJBgv
